Annapolis police warn of traffic woes Friday for academy commencement

Annapolis Police are reminding residents to expect traffic congestion on Friday, May 24, due to the U.S. Naval Academy graduation ceremony. Commencement scheduled to be held at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium beginning at 10 a.m.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver the commencement address, the first time he has spoken to a graduating class of midshipmen since 2009.

Roads affected may include U.S. Route 50, Rowe Boulevard, Farragut Road, Taylor Avenue, Cedar Park Road, Annapolis Street and Route 450. Road congestion is expected to start at 6 a.m. and will peak between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., police said. There may also be congestion after 1 p.m., when the ceremony ends.

Police said that while no roads will be completely shut down for the graduation, some roads will be closed on a rolling basis as escorts move to the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and when the Brigade of Midshipmen march from the U.S. Naval Academy to the stadium.

Police said citizens are encouraged to stay away from the area to avoid the congestion.